Bismuth
About Bismuth
Bismuth is a post-transition metal often recovered as a byproduct of lead and copper refining. It is widely recognized as the least toxic heavy metal and serves as a lead replacement in many applications including solders, ammunition, and plumbing fixtures. Growing environmental regulations favoring lead-free alternatives continue to drive bismuth demand.
Primary Uses
Top Producing Countries
Quick Facts
- Symbol
- Bi
- Atomic Number
- 83
- Category
- Specialty Metal
- Criticality Level
- Medium
- Supply Risk
- Medium
- Top Producer
- China
- USGS Critical List
- Listed
- EU CRM List
- Listed
Explore Bismuth In Depth
Dive into detailed analysis across 11 key topics covering every aspect of the Bismuth value chain.
Uses & Applications
Discover the primary industrial, technological, and commercial applications of Bismuth across key sectors.
Supply Chain
Trace the Bismuth supply chain from mine to market, including key intermediaries, processing hubs, and trade flows.
Mining & Processing
Learn how Bismuth is extracted, concentrated, and processed into usable forms for downstream industries.
Refining & Grade Specs
Explore the refining methods, purity grades, and technical specifications that define Bismuth products.
Recycling
Assess the recycling potential, current recovery rates, and circular economy opportunities for Bismuth.
Substitutes
Evaluate possible substitutes and alternative materials that could reduce dependence on Bismuth.
Investing
Understand the investment landscape for Bismuth, including equities, ETFs, futures, and direct exposure strategies.
Price
Analyze Bismuth pricing mechanisms, historical trends, benchmarks, and the factors that drive market volatility.
Companies
Identify the major miners, processors, and technology companies involved in the Bismuth value chain.
Projects
Review the significant mining and processing projects shaping the future supply of Bismuth worldwide.
Risks
Examine the supply risks, geopolitical vulnerabilities, and strategic concerns associated with Bismuth.
Return to the full Mineral Library to explore other critical and strategic minerals.